Vitality waning, the aging men and women struggled to care for their own everyday needs. With a negative correlation between poverty and health, the diminishing well-being of these impoverished seniors meant they had greater need of daily care and assistance with everyday activities.[1] Yet they had no one to care for them.
Some of them still worked hard to support themselves, despite their aging bodies, having no pension or retirement plans to depend on.
At 60 years old, Adey still worked in the field until a bad fall rendered her unable to stand. She had a son nearby, but he neglected his mother, even beat her at times. With no one to care for her, Adey was injured and all alone, or at least until a daughter came to help her.
Aili, 61 years old, was fortunate enough to live with her daughter, but she was unable to work. She couldn’t walk and required constant care.
GFA Team Cares for Elderly
A group of Gospel for Asia (GFA World) Sisters of Compassion and Women’s Fellowship members saw the condition of elderly citizens like Adey and Aili. Their hearts burdened with the seniors’ plight, the Sisters sought to take care of them. They trimmed fingernails, massaged weary muscles and prayed for these precious people. The love shown by these Sisters brought tears to the eyes of the elderly as they thanked the team.
Adey had severe pain in her legs and hands. The Sisters tenderly applied oils and massaged her limbs. The caring hands of healing warmed Adey’s heart.
“I thank God for the Sisters of Compassion team and your ministry,” Adey said. “No one has ever come to know my well-being, but these sisters came and cut my hair, gave me a bath, and massaged my hands and legs. I am truly thankful to them.”
The Sisters also visited Aili, trimming her nails and encouraging her with kind words. Their thoughtfulness overwhelmed the elderly woman, who gave an emotional thanks before the Sisters moved on to their next stop, where they prayed and cared for more people.
The women’s ministry team was thankful for the opportunity to serve.
“I thank God for this privilege that I could do something for the needy people,” Sani said. “When I see these old mothers and fathers whose children have left them alone to struggle, my heart breaks.”
These sisters’ own hearts were warmed as God’s love flowed through them in practical service to aged community members in dire need of care.
“I feel so good to see smiles on their faces,” Dahiana said. “I thank God for this day.”
Read how Pastor Pekelo brought medical help to a destitute village.
